Which actor played Rufio, the leader of the Lost Boys, in Hook?

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Dante Basco played Rufio, the leader of the Lost Boys, in Hook.

Rufio is the Lost Boys’ leader when Peter Banning returns to Neverland. Because Peter has forgotten that he was once Peter Pan, Rufio initially rejects him and protects the group from an adult he sees as an outsider. Their rivalry gradually changes as Peter rediscovers his courage and connection to the Lost Boys.

Basco was a teenager when he played Rufio, a role that became one of his best-known early performances. The character was created for Spielberg’s film rather than taken directly from Barrie’s original story. Rufio’s brightly colored hair, energetic fighting style, and “Bangarang” battle cry made him especially memorable.

Dante Basco later became widely known for voice work, including Prince Zuko in the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. In Hook, the central adult Peter was played by Robin Williams.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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